Q&A with the Swiss Machine

26 八月 2015

SuuntoClimb

Q&A with the Swiss Machine

26 八月 2015

Swiss alpinist Ueli Steck climbed all 82 of the 4000 m peaks in the Alps in one summer, using only a bicycle and paraglider to travel between. We caught up with the Swiss Machine after he finished his #82Summits project and asked him how it went.

How many of 82 peaks had you climbed before?

Not sure, but not too many. I had never climbed the easier mountains before.

That it’s all about motivation. I was surprised how long I could keep going without stopping or having rest days. It’s different to an expedition because I was moving almost everyday. That was great. I was so motivated that even on rest days I went for a run!

What three words would you use to describe #82summits?

Passion. Friendship. Fun.

What were some of the most unforgettable moments of the summer?

There were many great moments. The last one was on Barre des Écrins, in the French Alps. I ran up the wrong valley in the morning. Instead of taking the trail to Glacier Blanc, I went to Glacier Noir. There was a sign I read and I was sure the trail to Glacier Blanc was on the left. It felt strange, but I kept going. I ran for another two hours before reaching the end of the valley. By then it was daylight and I realized I wasn’t where I should be. I checked Google Maps and figured out I was on the wrong side on the mountain. I ran back down and after 3h40 minutes I was back in the valley from where I started my ascent again. So I did a little extra to warm up!

It was a difficult moment. What could I do? I didn’t want to give up so easily. That’s not my personality. I would never forgive myself. So I kept going and it turned out great. It was so much fun to climb with different partners and to do solo climbs. I still have very great memories of climbing with Andreas Steindel, a mountain guide and member of the Swiss Ski Mountaineering Team. Climbing with my best friend and supporter Daniel Mader and, of course, also the summits I climbed with my wife, were all great experiences. I also enjoyed solo climbing some peaks.

How were the cycling stages of the project?

This was something new to me. On the last part down from Massif des Écrins, I really felt the magic of cycling. Going over Col du Galibier, an iconic section on the Tour de France, is a great memory. And after so many kilometres your butt doesn’t hurt anymore!